Therapeutic pampering sessions prove to be popular with residential care home residents

Residential care home managers face many challenges, including finding activities for their residents that are different, stimulating and enhance the quality of their lives.

Rose Snape, a qualified social worker with many years of experience working with older people, has developed a service specifically for care home residents that leaves them with a sense of wellbeing and improved confidence. Her Julia Rose mini-makeover pampering service has been enthusiastically received by care home managers as it is proving to be very popular with their residents.

“Our aim is to empower residents by giving them the opportunity to try make-up and skincare in a comfortable, small group setting where chat and reminiscing takes place. We have found that this very special pampering group activity gives a wide range of benefits that continue long after the session is over,” commented Rose. “Working with small groups of residents, many with dementia, to create a therapeutic atmosphere and encourage their participation. I have also found some research from America that shows that Alzheimer’s patients with total memory loss still benefit from tender loving care, even though they may forget it straight afterwards.”

Penny Last, Activities Co-ordinator at Speirs House Nursing Home in New Malden commented on the therapeutic pampering sessions held at this Greensleeves Trust Home: “Our residents really enjoy these group sessions and the benefits are not just physical, we have noticed an increase in their self-esteem, self-confidence and it gives them something new to chat about. Plus they love the opportunity to make their own choices and decisions when buying products as they can’t get out to shop for themselves.”

Rose is aware that the wellbeing of older people is high on the Government agenda and this ethos of dignity and respect for the elderly is reflected in her work with care home residents. This respectful approach, along with an understanding of working with vulnerable adults, is part of the on-going training programme developed by Rose for her Julia Rose beauty therapists. Rose is currently recruiting qualified beauty therapists to meet the growing demand for this unique service.

The Julia Rose therapists undergo training in working with vulnerable adults and promoting the wellbeing of older people who are so often marginalised in society. The training will include workshops on social exclusion and depression in later life, to meet the Department of Health’s aim to ensure older people have the best quality of life.

“Our team of Julia Rose therapists will reflect a clear approach to our ethos and philosophy, ensuring visits continue to create a positive, relaxing ambience for residents,” said Rose. “The best gift our therapists receive is to see the faces of the residents light up with the anticipation of an afternoon of fun!”

New Julia Rose Collection Launched Rose has created her own Julia Rose Collection of skin care products. Manufactured in the UK, these high quality products are reasonably priced and can now be selected from the new Julia Rose brochure, free to care home residents and managers. Orders can also be taken by the Julia Rose therapists by phone (0844 809 4955) or through the Julia Rose website (www.juliarose.co.uk).

“We understand how difficult it is for care home residents to buy personal care products, often relying on family, friends and staff to shop for them,” said Rose. “Now they can experience the enjoyment, pleasure and fun of a make-over and have the opportunity to select products from a range that is specifically designed to appeal to their age group.”

Residential Care Home Managers who are interested in booking a Julia Rose pampering session for their residents can contact Rose Snape at rose.snape@juliarose.co.uk or call 0844 809 4955.